August 2007
The Young Ones
August 2007 Newsletter
In this month’s The Young Ones newsletter . . .
Many of you would have seen the spectacular images of the Field of Women Live held at Telstra Stadium on August 6th. 13000 women wearing pink, made the shape of the BCNA pink lady logo. This event brought the attention of Australians to the number of women affected each year by breast cancer. For those who were there it was an amazing, moving, experience. Too see photos of the event, and to read stories from those who attended, visit www.fieldofwomen.org.au.
The sun is beginning to make an appearance and it’s starting to feel like spring – let’s enjoy it!
Rita Marigliani, The Young Ones Coordinator
Encore
YWCA Encore is an 8 week gentle exercise and support program for women diagnosed with breast cancer. It aims to restore mobility, flexibility and confidence. It is a national program that is provided free. Each session runs for 2 hours and consists of 30 – 40 minutes land based exercises and 30 – 40 minutes gentle and relaxing pool exercises. Guest speakers are invited throughout the 8 week program and cover topics that are of interest to participants. Attendance is by enrolment only and medical approval is required. There are a number of programs starting up in October. They include: Coburg; Glen Waverley; Frankston; Bendigo and Mildura. To enrol or for further enquiries contact: Jan McMenamin 03 9725 0760, jan@ywca.net
The Young Ones Christmas Party
Traditionally, The Young Ones hosts its last meeting for the year in November, with an end of year celebration in December. To get ahead of the rush at this time of the year, we’ll be getting together on Friday December 7 to see out the year. A venue is yet to be decided on – so please let me know if you have any ideas as to where we should host this year’s get together.
Up Close and Personal 2, 1st National Young Women’s Conference Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth Street Melbourne 13th and 14th October
Registrations for the Up Close and Personal Conference close September 20th.
YABC know firsthand that for many young women who might be recently diagnosed this is the first conference or breast cancer event they are attending. YABC knows firsthand how difficult it is for young women to attend a conference for the first time, however, we would like young women to feel assured they will not be alone. We promise that the conference will be dynamic and worthwhile. One of the aims of the Conference is to bring young women together and to assist in reducing those feelings of isolation and alienation.
The Conference aims to Connect young women; Inform young women; and Advocate on issues affecting young women. The Conference will include expert speakers; workshops; performances; DVDs; and young women’s stories. It will be 2 days of information, fun and empowerment.
Some of the Conference highlights include: Angela Ives a researcher from Perth who is currently looking at pregnancy after and during diagnosis has confirmed her attendance. She will present some of her findings as well as discuss other projects relevant to young women.
Dr Kate Stern will present on the issue of fertility and Amanda Hordern will run a fun filled and informative workshop on Sexuality.
FAQ
Am I a young woman and am I eligible to attend?
Any pre-menopausal woman diagnosed with breast cancer is eligible to attend. For the purposes of the Conference and to increase access to the very young that often are not represented, YABC offers this definition:
Young is defined as two sub-groups. One is the very young, women aged 33 and under; and two is women under 50. This definition recognises the needs of women in regards to menopausal status as well as life-stage, without ignoring the unique issues of the very young.
How do I register?
Registration is on-line: http://www.yabc2007conference.org/
How do I pay for the Evening Celebration?
You may pay by credit card online or make a Direct Debit. Information available at: http://www.yabc2007conference.org/
May my partner attend?
Carers may attend the Conference. There is a small fee and numbers are limited.
Contact YABC if you have further queries: ya-bc@hotmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there.
What’s Happening Next Month? (See The Young One website for updates)
BreaCan is a free, confidential information and support service for people affected by gynaecological cancers or breast cancer, their families and friends. Open 10am - 2pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Wednesday 19th September, 12.00pm-1.30pm – Too Much, Too Little, Too Late
Are you having difficulty finding the right information? Come along to this session with Sarah Thorning, Librarian with Women's Health Victoria and learn some tips and tricks for finding good information that meets your needs. Sarah will explore how to use libraries and the internet effectively and provide some guidelines for assessing the quality of the information you find.
Wednesday 26th September, 6.45pm (for 7.00pm start) – 8.30pm
Thursday 27th September, 12.00pm – 1.30pm – Identity After Cancer
Barbara Dickson is an experienced Counselling Psychologist with a special interest in myths and how the wisdom gained from mythical stories can guide us during difficult times. Barbara will facilitate a small group discussion about identity after cancer. Themes for the talk will include - who we are after a cancer diagnosis, adjustment and acceptance of change; and how this change affects relationships with partners, family and friends. This repeated session will be held in the evening as well as during the day. Numbers are limited, so please RSVP.
Thursday 4th October, 12.00pm-1.30pm – Hormones R Hopping
Most of us know that hormones play an important role in our health and well being, but we may not understand why. Prof. Jeffrey Zajac, Endocrinologist and General Physician with Austin Health, will give an overview on hormones and how they work. He'll explain what happens
when a woman's hormones change due to menopause, either naturally or chemotherapy induced, and how these changes might impact on a younger woman compared to an older woman. Jeffrey will also discuss the links between hormones and breast cancer, and other cancers.
Wednesday 10th October, 11.00am – 2.00pm – ‘Wordplay’
Josie Scott, BreaCan’s Co-Ordinator - Advanced Cancer, will facilitate this workshop and provide opportunities to try different creative writing exercises and ideas to get your pen flowing across the page! Come prepared to write and maybe read aloud - no previous experience necessary. Josie studied creative writing and has written and facilitated workshops ever since. Journal and lunch provided. Numbers are limited, so please book early.
Wednesday 17th October, 11.00am – 2.00pm – Music For The Mind, Body & Soul
We all have a connection with music. Our tastes may be different, but still, music has a way of touching our soul. Emma O’Brien, Senior Music Therapist at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, will facilitate an interactive session about the way music can be used to help heal and maintain health and well being in our lives. Singing optional, ears a must! Lunch is provided so please let us know you’re coming.
BreaCan Resource Centre
Ground Floor
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
POSTAL PO Box 1066, Melbourne Vic 3001
PHONE 1300 781 500 (cost of a local call for country callers)
FAX (03) 9921 0840
breacan@breacan.org.au
www.breacan.org.au
Newsletter Contributions
We welcome all contributions to and feedback on, the newsletter. If you’ve recently read a book, seen a website, lecture or production that you think other young women who have experienced breast cancer would be interested in, or would like to share your story, we’d love to hear from you. Send all your stories, reviews contributions and feedback to ritamarigliani@netspace.net.au
Our next meeting Thursday 27 September
Contact details Rita Marigliani
The Young Ones Coordinator:
041 123 5964
Email: ritamarigliani@netspace.net.au
